5. Once you find a home on which you want to make an offer, you'll sign a purchase agreement and give the seller earnest money to seal the deal. If your offer is accepted (sometimes with contingencies), determine a date you wish to close.

6. Have your new home inspected to ensure there's nothing seriously wrong with the property. It’s also a good idea to get homeowner’s insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen calamity.

7. Notify your loan officer that you've found a property so they can begin the appraisal and title process. And, lock in your interest rate. Your loan officer will send you a new good faith estimate which shows your monthly mortgage payment as well as your estimated cash needed for closing. The title company will notify you of the time and date you close on your home and the items you'll need to bring to closing.